Descriptions of article types
The journal welcomes a variety of article types:
Research Manuscripts
Regular research manuscripts contain new research findings in their respective fields. These include presentation of new hypotheses and experiments, concepts or theories, development of innovative experimental or numerical methods, novel applications of existing methods and models, or presentation of new, significant case studies.
The journal will not consider submissions of limited international interest or lacking a substantial impact on environmental pollution research. In addition, papers that merely comprise data collections, based on the use of routine analytical or bioanalytical methods, are not acceptable. Repetition of already published knowledge, simply applied to the local level, will not be considered, nor will papers that do not highlight and explain clearly the new science versus the current knowledge.
Research manuscripts may comprise a maximum of 20 journal pages, including figures, tables and references. One journal page corresponds to about 800 words. In exceptional cases, authors are advised to contact the Editor-in-Chief prior to submission of the script. All submitted papers will undergo a rigorous peer-review.
Short Communications
Research that does not meet the criteria for full research papers may be submitted as Short Communications. Short Communications are restricted to reports of unusual urgency, timeliness, and significance. A brief statement explaining how the manuscript meets the criteria of urgency and significance should be included in the author´s remarks at submission. They should contain about 1000 words of text, a maximum of two tables and/or figures and no more than 20 references.
Letters to the Editor, Comments and Replies
Within this section, brief communications to the Editor-in-Chief and to the scientific community will be published. Additionally, any short scientific comment on a previously published research article may be submitted. Prior to publication of such comments, the Editor-in-Chief may seek a reply from the author(s) of the original research article. The aim of this section is to enhance the written scientific debate.
At the Editor-in-Chief’s discretion there may or may not be peer-review of the content.
Review Articles
In this section, contributions will be published that contain no original new data but summarize existing information and synthesize recent findings. These manuscripts contain critical, state-of-the-art reviews with the objectives of critically evaluating existing knowledge and providing background information for future significant research.
Authors who wish to review a particular topic should consult the Editor-in-Chief prior to submission of the manuscript. It should be noted that review scripts will undergo a similar peer review procedure as regular research papers. Length is generally not to exceed 35 journal pages.
Mini-Reviews
These papers follow the same conditions as review articles, but may be shorter in length (up to 8000 words maximum).
Perspectives
Perspective articles are a blend between a commentary and a mini-review, providing an opinion-driven perspective on a significant research topic. Authors can present a provocative perspective supported by data and published literature that stimulates future research. Perspectives are about 3,000 words, and contain no more than a total of 1-3 figures and/or tables. The authors are generally recognized as experts in their respective disciplines.
Book Reviews
Books for review are invited and information should be sent directly to the Editor-in-Chief.
Special Issues
Please see link ‘Guidelines for Special Issues’ for more information.